Everybody knows Memphis can do pork. But did you know we also have the world’s largest kosher (beef and chicken) barbecue contest?
Since 1988, Memphis’s Anshei Sphard-Beth El Emeth Congregation—the oldest Orthodox Jewish congregation in the South—has hosted the World Kosher Barbecue Championships. Each year, over 40 teams compete in six categories, including Best Beef Brisket, Best Beef Ribs, and Best Booth.
This year’s contest was on Sunday, August 24th. The barbecue was geshmak—that’s Yiddish for “delicious”—and a good time was had by all, Jews and Gentiles alike. I especially liked the beef ribs at the Temple Israel Brotherhood booth; the meat was a beautiful pink color; perfectly spiced, it fell right off the bone.
But what really got my attention were the puns in the booth names. So many puns! Steaking Bad, Downton ASBEE, Fleishbook. You get the idea.
So here, for your delectation, is a photo slideshow of some of the best puns from this year’s competition. How’s your Yiddish? And which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.
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